Ch. 231..235: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 231-235

Chapter 231: Alaric’s and Scarlet’s Wedding

In the grand hall, the royal family and distinguished guests assembled to bear witness to the matrimonial union of Second Prince Alaric Lukeson and Scarlet Leninnster. The gathering was a surprise to many, as it was common knowledge that both the bride and groom harbored affection for others.

Prince Alaric was resplendent in his attire. He donned a pristine white overcoat, adorned with intricate decoratives of royal blue that added a touch of regality. Complementing the overcoat were his immaculate white breeches and matching boots.

His hands, encased in white gloves, exuded an aura of refinement. Draped over his right shoulder, a white cloak billowed gently.

The soft strains of a violin and piano duet filled the air, a melodious herald announcing the imminent arrival of the bride. In two neat rows, a procession of children made their entrance, each clutching a basket in their tiny hands.

Following this charming entourage, Scarlet made her grand entrance. She was adorned in a white wedding gown made of fine lace and silk. Her face, a picture of serene beauty, was demurely veiled.

Upon reaching the head of the aisle, her father tenderly took her hand, linking it with his arm in a time-honored tradition.

Together, they began the poignant walk down the aisle.

King Esmond and Queen Margaret shared a moment of silent communication, their eyes sparkling with unshed tears of joy. The sight of their son, Alaric, standing at the altar was the fulfillment of a dream they had cherished for a long time.

Scarlet’s father performed the time-honored ritual of entrusting his daughter’s hand to Alaric. With a final, loving glance at his daughter and giving a bow to the prince, he gracefully descended the steps to take his seat among the guests.

Alaric, with a gentle firmness, guided Scarlet towards the altar. As they stood facing each other, the priest began the rituals.

~~~~

Down the grand aisle, Magnus subtly leaned towards Alora, his voice a soft whisper in her ear. "Do you recall the day of our wedding?" he asked, a hint of nostalgia lacing his words.

"Yes," she responded in a low voice filled with warmth and fondness.

Magnus’ eyes sparkled with reminiscence. "It was a day of unparalleled beauty," he murmured, his words painting a vivid picture of their special day.

"Hmm." Alora turned her gaze towards him, her eyes reflecting deep affection for him. She promptly looked at the altar, where Alaric and Scarlet were taking wedding vows. It startled her when Magnus suddenly held her hand, his fingers intertwined with hers.

"People are watching," Alora whispered.

"So?" Magnus retorted nonchalantly, his gaze never leaving hers.

With a playful glare and a smile dancing on her lips, Alora attempted to withdraw her hand. However, Magnus’ grip was firm, rendering her efforts futile.

"I want to kiss you," Magnus confessed in a hushed whisper.

Upon hearing his words, a blush crept onto Alora’s cheeks, painting them a lovely shade of red. She chose to respond with silence, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I can sense your heart pounding against your chest," Magnus whispered once more.

"Maintain your silence, or you might miss out on a kiss later," Alora teased him playfully. Their eyes met, a silent conversation unfolding between them. Magnus finally released her hand from his firm grip.

"Such a naughty woman. This isn’t the proper way to treat your husband," Magnus grumbled in a low voice, feigning a tone of complaint.

Unable to suppress her amusement, Alora let a radiant smile spread across her face, her joy evident for all to see.

Her eyes moved to the altar, hearing the wedding vows that just started.

~~~~

I, Alaric Lukeson, take thee, Scarlet Leninnster, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart; and pledge your loyalty or faithfulness.

I, Scarlet Leninnster, take thee, Prince Alaric Lukeson, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart; and pledge your loyalty or faithfulness.

In the hallowed silence of the chapel, the priest gently prompted them to exchange their rings. It was the promise and commitment made in their vows to each other.

Everyone present clapped for them in synchronization, their faces lit up with bright smiles.

With a voice resonating with authority and warmth, the priest declared, "His Highness Prince Alaric may now kiss his bride, marking the culmination of their sacred union.

Scarlet’s fingers delicately clutched the wedding bouquet. As the veil was gently lifted from her head, her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation. Alaric, with a tenderness, cupped her face and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

Their eyes met in a silent conversation. In Alaric’s gaze, Scarlet found a smile that held a promise of a lifetime of love and togetherness.

The two turned to face the King and the Queen, giving them a respectful bow for their blessings. Their hands remained connected before Alaric brought her down the altar. The King hugged Alaric while the Queen hugged Scarlet, before exchanging warmth with Scarlet’s family.

Alaric’s siblings showered him with heartfelt congratulations on his marriage. His eyes swept across the crowd, momentarily landing on Ember. She was there, accompanied by her husband and their two children.

As their eyes met, she offered him a curtsy, her eyes lowered in a gesture of respect and happiness. A soft smile graced her lips, reflecting her joy that Alaric had finally found his path forward.

Alaric returned her smile, a silent acknowledgment of their shared past. At that moment, he realized that Ember was his past, a Chapter that had closed now completely. His gaze then shifted to Scarlet, his wife, his present.

"Congratulations, Brother Alaric. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness in your marital journey," Alora expressed.

"Thank you, Alora," Alaric responded, his voice filled with gratitude and warmth.

Chapter 232: Driven me to madness

Izaak gently placed his empty wine glass on the small polished mahogany table, the last drops of the rich red liquid swirling at the bottom. His gaze drifted towards the dance floor, where couples swirled in a harmonious rhythm, their laughter and joy echoing through the grand hall.

A pang of annoyance tugged at his heart, a feeling foreign to his usual stoic demeanor. Lately, he found himself lost in his past more often than he cared to admit.

With a polite nod to his companions, he excused himself from the lively atmosphere of the hall, seeking solace in the quiet solitude of the dimly lit corridor.

The moon had already claimed the sky, casting long, eerie shadows that danced along with his leisurely steps as he made his way towards his chambers.

After a few minutes of unhurried walking, a familiar figure caught his eye. Melody, standing gracefully near a stone pillar, her gaze lost in the vast expanse of the night outside.

The faint smile gracing her lips stirred something within him, a feeling he had been trying to suppress. He had always prided himself on his indifference towards humans, but a single vision had shattered his resolve, leaving him grappling with emotions he never thought he would experience.

He found himself inexplicably drawn to Melody like a moth to a flame, fully aware of the bitter truth that she would never reciprocate his feelings.

Yet, he couldn’t help but be captivated by her, a testament to the profound change that had taken over him. His heart ached with a longing he knew would remain unfulfilled.

Just as Izaak was about to retreat, Melody turned to face him. Her eyes met his, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before she offered him a respectful bow.

A surge of panic welled up within Izaak, his instincts screaming at him to flee, but Melody’s soft voice halted him in his tracks.

With a swift grace that belied her nervousness, Melody closed the distance between them. "Your Highness," she began, her voice barely more than a whisper, "I owe you an apology." She fumbled for the right words.

Izaak knitted his brows together and turned around to look at her. "Why? What did you do that you want forgiveness?" he queried.

"This lowly subject judged the prince and spoke out of fear," Melody replied, keeping her gaze low.

When he didn’t respond, she lifted her head to look at him. "Then, should I punish you?" Izaak asked. "Because you weren’t truthful," he added.

"I spoke nothing but the truth, Your Highness. Yet, fear did cloud my judgment. How am I to know of His Highness’s past when it remains a mystery to me?" Melody defended herself. The moonlight cascaded down, bathing her face in an ethereal glow.

"Why indeed, should I reveal my past to you? What secrets about me have you stumbled upon?" Izaak retorted, taking a menacing step closer to her.

"No, I-I don’t wish to pry," Melody stammered, instinctively retreating a step.

"Then what?" Izaak probed, advancing further. A wave of nervousness washed over her, causing her eyelids to flutter. She continued to retreat until her back was pressed against the cold pillar.

Izaak came to a standstill, his gaze fixed on her. "Your actions bewilder me, Melody," he murmured. His index finger gently cradled her chin, tilting it upwards.

"Your heart is pounding, the fresh blood surging through your veins is tantalizing. Lately, I find myself yearning for the taste of fresh human blood," he admitted, and he asked, "Would you be willing to offer me yours?"

Melody’s fingers tightly pressed on the cold pillar. "I-I thought His Highness doesn’t drink from a human directly," she answered.

"I do drink from the humans when I get mad," Izaak replied.

Melody realized he was angry at her. She averted her gaze from him, not knowing anymore what to say.

"Stay away from me. If you hate me, then just keep the hatred in your heart," Izaak stated as he let go of his finger from her chin. As Melody turned to look, to negate that statement, she found Izaak wasn’t in the corridor. He had disappeared in the shadows.

"Why did His Highness say that? I never hated him," Melody murmured and thought to clear the air between them. She decided to head to Izaak’s chamber and rushed there.

Because the wedding events were still ongoing, Melody found even the servants were not present in the chamber. She stepped into the vacant living room, her gaze drawn to the closed door of the bedchamber.

With a sense of trepidation, she approached and knocked gently, waiting for a response. But to her surprise, Izaak didn’t answer. "Your Highness, it’s me, Melody. I wish to speak with you. I’m coming in," she announced, pushing the door open with a gentle nudge.

However, Melody found out that even the bedchamber was empty. Izaak wasn’t there.

Sighing, Melody turned to leave when she got startled to see Izaak right behind her. Her hand instinctively come to her chest.

"I never hated His Highness. Why would I even do that? Prince Izaak is a savior to me and he has even provided me such a comforting job. I can never harbor any ill feelings toward him. I swear on my life," Melody declared in a rush, her words tumbling out in a torrent before she took a moment to catch her breath.

"You should not have come here," Izaak murmured, his voice laced with warning as he leaned in, his breath lingering tantalizingly close to Melody’s lips.

Confusion clouded her expression as she tried to comprehend his cryptic statement. Before she could utter a word, his lips claimed hers in a sudden, unexpected kiss, leaving her wide-eyed and stunned.

Melody instinctively took a step back, but Izaak closed the distance between them, his arm encircling her waist possessively. His gaze, once warm, now held a chilling intensity as he drew her closer, their bodies almost touching.

"You’ve driven me to madness," Izaak declared softly against her lips, his words sending a shiver down Melody’s spine. And then, without warning, he captured her lips once more.

Chapter 233: The empty chamber

Izaak’s lips lingered above hers, their dance slowing to a halt before he reluctantly pulled away. He knew he shouldn’t have given in to his desires, but the pull was too strong to resist. Now, he feared, Melody would despise him even more. He retreated a step, his mind racing to find the right words to justify his actions.

Melody raised her head to meet his gaze. "What just happened?" she asked, her voice a mix of betrayal and confusion.

Izaak responded, his voice laced with a strange mix of frustration and longing. "Didn’t you hear what I said? Ever since you entered my life, I’ve been spiraling into madness," he confessed. "It drives me to the brink when you look at me with those questioning eyes. And my heart, it’s ready to again feel love," he asserted while furrowing his brows together.

Melody attempted to speak, but words failed her. Her eyes flickered uncertainly, akin to a flame dancing wildly on a windy night. Her heart, mind, and body were no longer in harmony. The thought of falling in love with the prince was a dream she was forbidden to entertain.

With a swift turn, she faced away from him. "May I take my leave, Your Highness?" Melody asked in a low voice, seeking his permission. She was desperate to escape his sight. Those eyes were full of desires, which in her eyes developed because he was alone for a long time. She found every reason to convince herself that Izaak wanted her body, her blood more than her.

Understanding the awkwardness, Izaak decided to let her go. "Yes, you may," he replied.

Melody took a step toward the door when Izaak said, "I was betrayed in love... Four times. I know it sounds absurd, but I trusted four times. My heart, as irrational as it may seem, is prepared to risk it all for a fifth time. Please, don’t judge me. I’ll be an open book if you have any questions," he confessed. In the final moment, he remembered Magnus’s counsel. He felt it was crucial to reveal his true identity to Melody.

She again pivoted on her sandals and turned to him.

"Your Highness, I don’t know what your former late wives did, but killing isn’t the answer," she clarified. "And I never knew your help wasn’t genuine. It wanted something from me in return," she asserted.

A muscle in Izaak’s jaw clenched tightly, a clear sign of his mounting fury. "Leave!" he commanded, his pupils shifting color in his rage. "Had it been anyone else in your place, I would have torn them apart," he threatened, his voice echoing ominously in the room.

Tears welled up in Melody’s eyes at his harsh words, and she quickly cast them downward. Izaak was no different from the other men she had known. They would shower her with affection initially, only to demand more later. Without uttering another word, she hurriedly exited the chamber.

Izaak ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, the silence of the room amplifying his sense of regret and irritation. His actions had driven away the one person he had hoped to draw closer. His heart ached with a mixture of anger and longing. If only she hadn’t shown in his bedchamber, everything would be fine.

~~~~

The wedding festivities had come to a close, and the bride was escorted to her husband’s chamber, fresh from a bath and dressed in a comfortable nightgown.

Scarlet sat patiently in the room, her eyes fixed on the door. She was filled with anticipation and anxiety. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as she waited for Alaric to arrive. Doubts began to creep into her mind. Was his delay a sign of his reluctance? Did he not appreciate her presence?

She shook off the negative thoughts, reminding herself that it was their wedding night. Perhaps he was just as nervous as she was. She decided to wait a little longer, hoping that his arrival would dispel her fears.

At long last, the door creaked open, and Scarlet instinctively raised her gaze. Standing before her was Alaric, but he was not adorned in his usual night attire. Instead, he was dressed in a suit of formal elegance. It sparked curiosity in her mind.

Alaric’s fingers slowly curled into a tight fist as he bridged the gap between them, finally taking a seat opposite her. His eyes were drawn to the wedding band that encircled his fourth finger, and then to the matching one on hers. With a slow and deliberate movement, he reached out and gently clasped her hand, locking his gaze with hers once again.

Scarlet, puzzled by his unusual attire, finally voiced her question, "Why is Prince Alaric not dressed in his nightwear?"

"I’ve to go somewhere, Scarlet," Alaric said.

"Now?" Scarlet’s eyes widened.

Alaric hummed in a nod. "You may not know, but lately a lot of things have happened in the palace. I wish I could explain to you now or before our wedding, but there was no time for it. However, I promise once I return I’ll tell you everything," he affirmed.

"What it could be?" Scarlet asked with confusion.

"A danger is lurking over us, over this family. But worry not. I anticipate my return within two days. I regret having to leave you in such a manner, Scarlet, but I trust in your understanding," Alaric expressed. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss onto her lips that sent her heart aflutter. But before she could reciprocate, he pulled back, their eyes locking once more.

"It was our wedding night, Prince Alaric. You could have gone tomorrow. And why can’t the other two princes go?" Scarlet questioned.

"The matter needs my attention. My two brothers can’t handle it. Moreover, Magnus is also leaving for another important work in the South. I will answer you everything on my return. I promise," Alaric stated.

Scarlet nodded in understanding. She was hesitant at first, but she hugged Alaric tightly. "Please be safe," she whispered.

"Hmm, I will," Alaric assured her, his hand gently stroking her back.

The two pulled away when Alaric stood up. With a blink of an eye, he disappeared. Scarlet found the entire chamber empty and it sank her heart.

Chapter 234: Touch of his lips

After bidding Magnus farewell and watching his carriage disappear into the night, Alora returned to the chamber. As she prepared to retire for the night, Selvina, her loyal attendant, arrived carrying a jar of water.

"Selvina, have you seen Melody?" Alora inquired.

"She is outside, Your Highness," Selvina replied, her voice respectful and composed.

"Could you please ask her to come in?" Alora requested, taking the jar from Selvina and placing it carefully on the bedside table. As she was adjusting the jar, the sound of Melody’s voice reached her ears.

Turning around, Alora noticed a change in Melody’s demeanor. Her facial expressions were strained, hinting at some distress or unfortunate event that might have occurred.

"You seem to be troubled. Is something bothering you?" Alora asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Not at all, Your Highness. Is there something you need assistance with?" Melody responded, her tone humble yet filled with a sense of duty.

"Have a seat. I would like to talk to you," Alora said and brought her to the recliner. Selvina entered asking the princess if she didn’t wish to sleep.

"Selvina, you should retire for the night. Your hard work today is greatly appreciated," Alora said, her smile warm and genuine. Selvina bowed in acknowledgment, reminding Alora to rest early before she exited the room.

Alora then turned her attention to Melody, her gaze serious. "Did you know that my husband has the ability to read thoughts?" she revealed, watching as Melody’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Each of the three princes and the princess possess unique powers. Prince Magnus has the ability to delve into minds, Prince Izaak is gifted with foresight, and Prince Alaric can immobilize anyone with a mere touch. Moreover, no magic can affect him. As for Princess Lillian, she can compel anyone to speak the truth, although this doesn’t work on humans and werewolves."

Melody took a moment to process this information. "I had heard rumors about the royal family possessing unique abilities, but I never imagined they would be so... extraordinary," she admitted, her voice filled with awe.

"Yes. I was surprised too when I first met Prince Magnus," Alora said with a smile.

"I’ve heard about Princess Alora’s eyes. People used to say there’s a woman with a blindfold in the capital," Melody spoke. "How did Her Highness get rid of that?"

"It was difficult, but Magnus helped me. No one wanted me, Melody, except for my mother. I would have stayed unmarried, alone in a mansion, if Prince Magnus hadn’t rescued me that night," Alora said, taking a deep breath and reminiscing her past. As she revealed to Melody about her, Melody couldn’t help but admire that at least a man like Magnus existed who never let feel Alora alone or low.

"Brother Izaak became my friend later. He had the suspicions that one day I might become a threat to Prince Magnus. However, he got a vision of my eyes. He is the man after Magnus in whom eyes I’ve looked without my blindfold," Alora proclaimed.

"Her Highness definitely suffered a lot," Melody said.

"Brother Izaak was cold to me in the beginning. Even Magnus misjudged him because he killed his four wives. Brother Izaak never tells the truth to anyone. But I know he’s just heartbroken with no one around him who could actually understand his position, his responsibilities," she proclaimed.

Earlier, when Magnus readied to leave, he told Alora how Melody and Izaak had an argument. So, she decided to help the two come close.

"But doesn’t Prince Magnus read the minds? Could he not read the thoughts of his own brother?" Melody queried.

"Magnus doesn’t delve into anyone’s thoughts unless it is necessary. Because that was a private matter to Brother Izaak, he decided to not touch those memories. However, Brother Izaak finally opened up about it with his brothers. His four wives demanded a lot from him. They wanted him to be the King and one even cheated on him. Brother Izaak fell in love four times, but he couldn’t find true love. Since he’s a great friend and even a big brother to me, I only pray for his happiness," Alora explained while trying to read Melody’s face.

Melody recalled how Izaak told her he would not mind falling in love again. Because he kissed her out of the blue, she ended up getting angry about it. The touch of his lips and the wine still lingered in her mouth. Why he wanted to fall in love with her? She was nothing!

"What are you thinking, Melody? If you have anything in your mind, then you can tell me," Alora opined. "Think of me as your sister," she held Melody’s hand, giving her comfort.

Melody hesitated, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. She was wrestling with herself, torn between her fear and the need to unburden her heart.

Finally, she found the courage to speak, "Your Highness, I...I fear I may have upset Prince Izaak. I shouldn’t be discussing this, but...he seems to harbor feelings for me. I’m just a simple woman, burdened by debts and without a family. The thought of being at Prince Izaak’s side is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m utterly confused." Her words tumbled out in a rush, revealing her inner turmoil to Alora.

Alora listened, her expression softening. "I too, once found it hard to imagine myself with someone like Prince Magnus. But I allowed myself the chance to explore that possibility. Trust me, Melody, it’s not wrong to aspire for better things for yourself. If you’ve made a mistake, it’s never too late to make amends. We all make mistakes, but we also have the power to rectify our mistakes," she advised gently.

Melody nodded, absorbing Alora’s words. It was late, and she knew she couldn’t confront Izaak now. The memory of their kiss made it even more difficult to face him.

She didn’t want to provoke his ire further. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, and her heart was heavy with the fear of being shunned by the man who had saved her life.

Chapter 235: Keep her safe

The Next morning:

Izaak cast his gaze upon the newbie vampires, their role is to assist Alora in honing her ability to control through her eyes. He issued a stern warning to the guardians, emphasizing the importance of Alora’s safety.

"Why has she taken so long to arrive?" Izaak muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the horizon.

His gaze landed on Alora, trailing behind her was Melody. Izaak made a conscious decision to keep his emotions under wraps, not wanting to display them on the training grounds.

As Alora approached the prince, she offered him a courteous greeting. "Please accept my apologies for the delay, Brother Izaak," Alora said, her voice laced with regret.

"It’s alright. I was under the impression that Venus would join you as well," Izaak responded, his tone nonchalant.

"Venus is feeling under the weather today. Hence, she couldn’t make it," Alora explained.

"Hmm." Izaak then pivoted to face the novice vampires, who were already teetering on the edge of losing control. The presence of two humans added more effect on their brains for the fresh blood.

Izaak guided Alora towards the group of fledgling vampires, while Melody remained at a distance. He advised Alora to maintain her concentration and clear her mind of any distractions while harnessing her abilities.

She acknowledged his advice with a nod, her attention drawn to them.

"Magnus informed me that you were able to curb his bloodlust. You need to replicate that with these vampires as well," Izaak declared, his voice firm and authoritative.

Alora’s gaze shifted to the vampires, their fangs bared in anticipation. Some of them were visibly struggling to remain within the confines of the boundary, a barrier constructed from ashwood that prevented them from escaping. In the event that any of the vampires were unable to suppress their thirst for blood, the guardians were on standby, ready to intervene.

Izaak gently took hold of Alora’s hand, revealing a sharp knife. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she questioned his intentions.

"Magnus may be lenient with you, but I won’t be. Qasima is after you, so we need to expedite your training, even if it means enduring some pain," he asserted. "Are you prepared for this, Alora?" Izaak inquired.

She nodded her agreement without any hesitation.

"This might hurt a bit," Izaak warned, and with a swift motion, he made a small incision on her palm. Alora let out a soft whimper as pain shot through her hand, and her fresh blood began to seep from the wound.

Alora’s heart pounded as she caught sight of her own blood. Izaak, however, steadied her, holding her wrist and urging her to focus on what lay ahead.

The scent of fresh blood sent the fledgling vampires into a frenzy. Their eyes, now a vivid shade of crimson, mirrored their insatiable hunger, making them resemble starved lions.

"Maintain your focus, Alora," Izaak instructed. She cast a fearful glance at the vampires, their predatory gaze making her feel like prey. The only thing keeping them at bay was the ashwood boundary, but she couldn’t help but wonder - how long would it hold them back?

Then, one of them, undeterred by the searing pain that crossing the boundary would inflict, lunged towards Alora.

Melody’s scream echoed across the field, her fear palpable as she feared for Alora’s safety.

The two guardians attempted to restrain the frenzied vampire, but he shrugged them off with ease, his eyes locked on Alora, ready to feast on her blood. Her pupils glowed a soft golden hue. Her only prayer was that she wouldn’t have to incinerate this vampire.

Izaak held back, unwilling to intervene until the vampire was dangerously close to Alora. He noticed the other vampires also launching themselves towards Alora in a frenzied attack.

"Act now, Alora!" Izaak commanded, his voice echoing across the field.

She mustered all her strength to repel the first vampire. ’Stop,’ she willed silently, her mind focused on the task at hand.

Suddenly, the vampire halted in his tracks, a mere breath away from them. Izaak’s hand, poised to seize the creature by the throat, fell to his side as his gaze shifted to Alora. The guardians had swiftly intervened, corralling the fledgling vampires and escorting them away.

Alora mustered every ounce of her strength to prevent him from advancing further. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she finally found her voice, "Just stop. You need to stop." Her plea echoed in the tense silence, reaching the vampire whose features softened, the bloodlust fading from his eyes.

"Step back," Izaak commanded, his voice resonating with authority. One of the guardians promptly escorted the now docile vampire away. The situation was swiftly brought under control. Izaak, with a gentleness that belied his earlier ferocity, tended to Alora’s wounded palm.

"You are safe," he assured her, their eyes locking in a silent exchange. Fear shimmered in her tear-filled eyes. Yet, amidst the fear, a spark of joy flickered - her eyes, it seemed, held a power over these supernatural beings. A power that could bring them to heel. A power that could keep her safe.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Melody inquired, her voice laced with concern.

"Yes," Alora responded, her gaze falling to her hand where Izaak had deftly tied a handkerchief. "I was afraid he would burn away. I’m relieved he didn’t," she whispered, a single tear escaping her eye and tracing a path down her cheek.

"There’s no need for tears," Izaak gently admonished, his tone softening.

"But I’m frightened," Alora confessed, her eyes meeting his.

Izaak rolled his eyes and put his hand on the back of her head. He pulled her close, making her head rest on his chest, giving it a gentle pat. "I was here. I would not have let you be harmed," he said.

~~~

On the other side, Magnus, who was in the carriage felt a sharp sting on his palm. He realized Alora’s palm was cut. But who dared to do that? At that moment, no name came to his mind, except for Izaak.